Large truck fire closes part of Auckland’s Southwest Highway

Part of Auckland’s southwest motorway will be closed from 10pm on Friday after a large truck fire caused damage to the road.

The fire previously closed all northbound lanes on State Highway 20, causing heavy congestion for commuters at rush hour.

Thick black smoke could be seen billowing across the road as Fire and Emergency New Zealand worked to contain the blaze near the Hillsborough exit ramp shortly after 4pm on Friday.

Motorists in the city previously reported congestion as a result of the highway closure, with traffic on the surrounding roads jammed.

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At 8 p.m., two lanes were open beyond the scene.

NZTA was closing SH20 (northbound) between the Hillsborough Rd exit ramp and the Hillsborough Rd entrance ramp as of 10 p.m. Friday.

Motorists were urged to consider alternative routes.

A spokeswoman for St John said paramedics were called to the scene, but no injuries were reported.